The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad has been marked by immense grief and a desperate plea from families for the swift return of their loved ones' remains. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 people on board, as well as several on the ground after it struck a medical college hostel.

The disaster has triggered a massive response, with emergency services working tirelessly at the crash site. However, the process of identifying the victims has proven to be agonizingly slow and complex. Due to the intensity of the fire that erupted after the crash, many bodies were burned beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing for identification.

This painstaking process has led to considerable delays, causing immense distress and anger among the families who have gathered in Ahmedabad, desperate to receive the remains of their relatives and perform the last rites. Outside the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, families have been enduring the scorching summer heat, anxiously awaiting any news. The wait has been described as "agonizing," with relatives seen craning their necks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next stretcher carrying a body bag.

The authorities have acknowledged the delays and are appealing for patience, emphasizing the need for accuracy in the identification process. One official stated, "We are relying only on DNA matching to identify them, and it is something where we simply cannot rush or afford mistakes. We are working with sincerity. We want relatives to understand and be a bit patient. We want to hand over [the bodies] as soon as possible." As of June 13, 2025, six bodies had been released to families who could identify them based on facial features, according to a police official.

The tragedy has not only claimed the lives of passengers but also impacted the local community. At least eight people on the ground, including medical students, were killed when the plane crashed into the residential area. The hospital staff is also grappling with the loss of four students and relatives of doctors who were present on the campus when the crash occurred.

The sole survivor of the crash, a British national named Vishwashkumar Ramesh, is recovering in a hospital. He recounted the horrific experience, stating that he "saw the aircraft crew and its passengers die in front of his eyes."

Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. The flight data recorder, or black box, has been recovered from a rooftop near the crash site. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British investigators, has commenced its inquiry into the incident. India's aviation regulator has also ordered extra safety checks on Air India's Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 planes as a "preventative measure."

In the wake of the disaster, both the Indian government and Air India have announced compensation and support for the victims' families. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, will provide an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the families of the deceased and will cover the medical expenses of the survivor and those injured on the ground.

The Air India crash has not only brought immense sorrow to the families of the victims but has also raised questions about aviation safety and the need for timely and respectful handling of such tragedies. The families' anger at the delays in receiving the bodies of their loved ones underscores the importance of efficient and sensitive procedures in the aftermath of such devastating events.